Bring a copy of your Christmas Tree Permit with you when you go out to cut your tree.

Please respect the rights of the private landowners located adjacent to the National Forest boundaries—cut only if you are sure you are on National Forest lands and in designated cutting areas.

Do not cut in restricted areas:

• within all recreation camp areas;

• within 300 feet of streams and rivers;

• within 300 feet of paved roads;

• within designated Wilderness areas;

• all private land.

Forest Service Staff may be in the cutting areas to check permits and answer questions. They are not authorized to sell permits, so you should have a permit with you when you get to the area.

One permit is valid for trees 5-inches in diameter and up to 10-feet-in-height. Trees taller than 10-feet require an additional permit(s).

Stump diameter: 5 inches maximum 

Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree. Cut trees as low to the ground as possible (do not leave stump more than 6-inches in height).

If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.

Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree. Be sure your printed permit is easily visible to Forest officials checking for permits.

Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.

Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.

We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.

Take any trash home with you and remove trimmings from the road to avoid damaging other vehicles.

Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark. 

If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage. 

Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water. 

If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.

Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.

Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.

Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.